Sir Ian Botham says that he cannot understand why umpires decided to allow James Anderson's run out after James Taylor's lbw was overturned.
Taylor was denied the chance of a World Cup century during England's 111-run defeat to Australia on the opening day of the tournament, with the ICC later admitting that the decision was incorrect as the ball should have been declared dead.
Former England all-rounder Botham agrees that Taylor should have been given the chance to reach three figures and feels sympathy for the Nottinghamshire batsman.
He told Sky Sports News: "It was a very sad moment for James Taylor. He should have had the chance to go on and get his hundred.
"The rules are quite clear so how the umpires between them – the two on the field and the third umpire – can say that the run out counted is beyond me.
"Once the umpire makes a decision, the ball is dead. It's quite straightforward so I felt sorry for James Taylor, because he was the shining light with the bat as far as England were concerned."
England next face co-hosts New Zealand, who comfortably beat Sri Lanka in Christchurch in their opening game.
Chris O'Keefe
